Nigeria @66: Reject negative narratives, cleric tells Nigerians

Apostle Lawrence Achudume

The Lead Pastor and General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has urged Nigerians to stop speaking negatively about the country, saying its challenges should not overshadow the talents and potential of its citizens.

Achudume made the call in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a church programme organised to pray for Nigeria as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the church’s media office, the cleric described Nigerians as intelligent and highly accomplished people whose contributions had earned the country international recognition.

“We are great people. We are intelligent people. Look at the best doctors on earth; look at the best engineers. Name it, and you will find Nigerians there,” he said.

He cited Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and other prominent Nigerians as examples of citizens who had distinguished themselves globally.

However, Achudume said intelligence and confidence must be matched with discipline, humility and integrity.

He illustrated his point with an encounter with a young man who entered an office without knocking and immediately took a seat, saying the incident reflected Nigerians’ confidence but also showed the need to combine confidence with good character.

On governance, the pastor called for leaders with what he described as a “perfect heart” — leaders who would prioritise public service and national interest over personal gains.

Referring to the biblical account of Amaziah, who “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart,” Achudume said leaders should consider the impact of their decisions on citizens and not merely the intentions behind their policies.

He cited the removal of fuel subsidy and the increase in the minimum wage as examples of policies that could be considered right in principle but whose implementation should take into account their effects on the people.

Achudume also criticised the practice of celebrating elected officials for providing basic infrastructure, arguing that the provision of roads, markets, housing and other public facilities was part of their responsibilities.

“In the first place, they were elected to do that. So if they can’t do it, they step aside,” he said.

The cleric urged Nigerians to participate actively in elections and use democratic processes to demand accountability from their leaders, stressing that public office was a privilege and not a licence for impunity.

He also called on Nigerians to remember the sacrifices of nationalists, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Anthony Enahoro, who contributed to the struggle for self-government.

“The labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain,” he said.

Addressing young Nigerians, Achudume encouraged them to embrace creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation rather than depend solely on government for opportunities.

He said nation-building required personal responsibility and sacrifice, adding, “Ordinary sacrifice will produce ordinary results.”

The cleric also advocated the emergence of African leaders who could think independently and prioritise the interests of their people.

He pointed to the historic achievements of societies such as the Benin Kingdom as evidence of Africa’s capacity for organisation, innovation and development.

Despite his criticism of governance, Achudume urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country.

“Don’t give up on Nigeria. Nigeria will be great. Nigeria was born great,” he declared.

He said the leaders capable of providing the kind of leadership Nigeria needs might currently be outside political positions.

“The people who are there now may not be the right people, but they will come. God will raise a people. They could be waiting somewhere,” he said.

Achudume urged Nigerians to use the Independence anniversary to reflect on their responsibilities to the country and future generations, stressing that the nation’s challenges should strengthen rather than diminish their belief in Nigeria’s potential.